The largest epidermal cyst with vitiligo lesions following female genital mutilation: a case report and literature review

• Published in: Acta dermatovenerologica Alpina, Panonica, et Adriatica Vol. 27; no. 4; pp. 211 - 213
• Main Authors: Kibar Ozturk, Melike, Zindanci, İlkin, Zemheri, Ebru, Çakır, Cumhur
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Slovenia Association of Slovenian Dermatovenerologists 01.01.2018
• Subjects: Adult; Care and treatment; Case studies; Circumcision, Female - adverse effects; Complications and side effects; Diagnosis; Epidermal Cyst - etiology; Epidermal Cyst - pathology; Epidermal cysts; Female; Female circumcision; Humans; Risk factors; Vitiligo; Vitiligo - etiology; Vitiligo - pathology
• ISSN: 1318-4458; 1581-2979; 1318-4458
• DOI: 10.15570/actaapa.2018.43

Epidermoid vulvar cystic lesions are proliferations of epidermal cells that can occur as a complication of female genital mutilation (FGM), which is still a common practice in many cultures, especially in Africa. A 36-year-old Sudanese woman presented with an enlarged clitoral mass that had first appeared 2 years earlier. Her medical history showed that she had undergone FGM when she was 3 years old. A perineal examination revealed a mobile, nontender, rounded cystic swelling with vitiligo lesions. After the cyst was excised, it revealed a 13 ×11 × 11 cm unilocular round mass. An epidermoid cyst was reported following microscopy. Follow-up 6 months later revealed a good result with no recurrence. To date, this is the largest epidermoid cyst following FGM and the first one with vitiligo lesions reported in the literature.